Canada’s official cocktail is a Caesar and here’s why

Call it a hangover “cure”, tomato soup in a cup, or the best thing ever created – The Caesar is a classic cocktail beloved by many and just so happens to be the official cocktail of Canada.

Love it or hate it, this savoury cocktail concoction was created in Canada over 50 years ago and since then has grown in popularity for its tangy and resfreshing taste.

According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, the Caesar is considered Canada’s national cocktail and it’s composed of five simple ingredients: vodka, clam juice, tomato juice, spices, and Worcestershire sauce.

What it’s garnished with is up to you but typically it is served in a celery salt rimmed highball glass and topped with a celery stalk, olives, and lime. Depending on whether you make it at home or order a glass at a bar, they may come with different garnishes. At times we’ve seen Caesars topped with burgers, onion rings, a plate of nachos, and more.

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The Caesar originates from Calgary, Alberta thanks to the efforts of food and beverage worker Walter Chell in 1969. According to The Canadian Encyclopedia, Chell was asked by The Calgary Inn to create a cocktail to celebrate the opening of its new Italian restaurant, Marco’s.

“Chell spent about three months formulating the drink. He drew inspiration from spaghetti alle vongole, a pasta dish made with clams. Chell mashed clams to produce “clam nectar” and mixed it with tomato juice and spices,” reads the site.

“The final formulation included vodka, tomato juice, clam nectar, Worcestershire sauce, and celery salt.”

And because of its popularity and origins, Canada celebrates National Caesar Day on the Thursday before the Victoria Day long weekend every May.

Now that you had a lesson on the Caesar cocktail, you might begin to appreciate its Canadian history a little more. Happy drinking!